The Sidewall Ball

Description

The Sidewall Ball is a study into the impact of play and material executed by a collaborative effort of three students and Milwaukee-based organization Beintween. The shared object is an interactive installation that becomes a social activator, while bringing to question what constitutes a material as “waste.” The Sidewall Ball is a hanging sphere of tire sidewalls fastened together in a geodesic pattern, allowing for optimal strength and playability. Our first ball was hung in Beintween’s warehouse space allowing us to study its physical properties and social applications. We observed, through long hours of rigorous study, that it is, in a word, fun. The next step, we expect, will be even more fun. We intend to reproduce the ball and expose it to a larger audience in different environments. With each new environment and audience gives opportunity to experience the ball in different ways, challenging the form or function of its successor. The idea of the ball blurs the line between sculpture, object, toy, and architecture. The Sidewall Ball becomes an instant point of fascination, encouraging active and passive interaction. It promises to bring character and play to most any environment, and infuses place with a unique individuality.

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Apr 24th, 9:00 AM

The Sidewall Ball

Fireside Lounge

The Sidewall Ball is a study into the impact of play and material executed by a collaborative effort of three students and Milwaukee-based organization Beintween. The shared object is an interactive installation that becomes a social activator, while bringing to question what constitutes a material as “waste.” The Sidewall Ball is a hanging sphere of tire sidewalls fastened together in a geodesic pattern, allowing for optimal strength and playability. Our first ball was hung in Beintween’s warehouse space allowing us to study its physical properties and social applications. We observed, through long hours of rigorous study, that it is, in a word, fun. The next step, we expect, will be even more fun. We intend to reproduce the ball and expose it to a larger audience in different environments. With each new environment and audience gives opportunity to experience the ball in different ways, challenging the form or function of its successor. The idea of the ball blurs the line between sculpture, object, toy, and architecture. The Sidewall Ball becomes an instant point of fascination, encouraging active and passive interaction. It promises to bring character and play to most any environment, and infuses place with a unique individuality.